ANNE BRENTAR’S MORNING EMAIL

Over the years, I will admit that I have lost a lot of things–lost keys, lost phone numbers, lost socks, lost one shoe (???), lost directions, lost my place in a book, lost a child in a store (oh, no, maybe that was my mother-in-law who did that–and she’s not the one who told me), lost a used car lot (okay, I was out test-driving a car in an unfamiliar neighborhood), but there’s one thing that I have never lost before–my sense of humor.  You’ll be glad to know that I have found it.  Not a fun thing to lose though, because the harder you work to find it– the more it seems to elude you.

Want to know where I found it?  It was just taking a little break–it came back slowly when I heard:

• the giggles of my children and their friends (you should meet these characters) as I cooked dinner and washed clothes. 
• in silly jokes my friends tell me (you should meet my friends–oh, you’re one of them, aren’t you?) as we chatted over coffee
• in wild stories from my family (and you think your family is crazy) as we reminisce over great memories 
• in the antics of my amusing cat (you’d never be the same) as she plays tag with my 17-year old AND
• in renewing my decision to choose to be happy–each and every day.

Think you’re tough enough to make the choice to be happy?  It is a choice, you know?  If you already live your life with a smile on your face and sunshine in your heart, you are my hero–I will be giving extra credit today if you inspire someone else to make that choice.  And if you ever find yourself just a little bit down–or a lot–give me a call.  I’ll introduce you to some of my family or friends–or my cat.  Or better yet, let me introduce you–to You!  Be HAPPY!  You are the Best and good things are coming your way.  Put a smile on your face!  Smiles are contagious.  Pass one on.  I dare you!!!

Some days even I must admit to feeling like I’m all that.  I like to think I do my job well–I’m needed–I might even be important.  But just about the time we let that ego get a little over-inflated, someone surely comes along to bring us back down to earth.  Ever have that happen?  Happened to me this morning.  I answered the phone to hear these words, “You’ll do in a pinch.”  Perhaps I wasn’t exactly who she wanted to have answered the phone, but I was good enough–I would do.  I’d like to feel like she meant those words as a compliment, though I must admit, I’m just not feeling it.

So, today’s task is to remember that you are very important to me, but don’t get too full of yourself, because inevitably, someone will come along to bring you right back down where you belong–right next to me.  By the way, it’s awfully nice to see you.  You are the Best and today provides each of us with a fresh opportunity to do exactly what needs to be done.  You will definitely do in a pinch–ouch!  Hey–that didn’t hurt as much as I thought.  Make me proud!

Ever make a mistake?  No?  Gee thanks! I appreciate your support.  Maybe I am the only one who makes mistakes.  Maybe I’m the only one who feels that I’ve messed up big-time and there’s no way to start again–or maybe I’m not alone after all.  Today’s challenge is to give yourself a second chance.  If you’re really honest with yourself (you don’t have to admit it to me), you will find that you just might make a mistake once in a while, right?  Are you really tough on yourself?  Today, you’re going to cut yourself just a little bit of slack.  There is definitely room for a second chance.  Pick yourself up.  Dust yourself off.  Let’s get started.  As always, I’d never expect you to take on a challenge that I, myself, was not willing to take on.  We’re in this together.

You are my hero if you have aready learned this lesson.  And if you offer second chances, and third ones to your family, your friends, and other folks you come into contact with, you are indeed my hero.  You are the Best and good things are coming your way.  Get ready!  Get set!  Go!  Make me proud!!!

Entitlement mentality–ever hear that phrase.  Basically–the world OWES me a living.  Would be nice if that were really true and how much easier our days would be, right?  But you know you’d be bored if that were true.  You know you live for a challenge or two, right?  Life seems to be a series of problems.  Sorry–issues or challenges sounds better.  However you look at it, it is true.  We all have the same job–in reality–that of being a troubleshooter.  And some days we do that job better than others.  We’re all in this together.  That’s an important fact to keep in mind.  You are not alone.  When you think you’re having a tough day, look around.  So are we.

Today’s challenge is to take each of every one of those rough days and look at it with a new attitude.  You will not be bored.  You’ve got plenty to do.  What are you waiting for?  We’ve got work to do!  Make every action today count.  Do every small task as if it were the only task you had to do.  Make every person you come in into contact with today be glad they met you because even that scant moment of contact was a positive one.  Think you’re tough enough to take on a rough day–today?  I know you are.  You are the Best!  And today will be a day to try your patience, to test your endurance, to push you to be just a little bit better than you were yesterday.  At the end of this day, when you rest your head on your pillow, let’s be certain that we can look back on the day and be contented with the results.  And, then take a moment to just be grateful for being alive.  That, all on its own, is an amazing thing.  Be dazzled!!!  Be alive!!!

Ever feel like what life has handed you is far more than you can take?  Well, when you sit down and analyze the situation, you’ve got everything you need to handle whatever comes your way.  Even I, the one who wears rose-colored glasses on most days–shh!–even I, on occasion, have a rough day.  

After all, everywhere you go–there YOU are!!!  And I’ll be right there with you!  As always, you are the Best and good things are coming your way.  I promise!  And today will be a day filled with victories–little or large.  Make them happen.  Make me proud!!!

ORDER YOUR BOOKS TODAY at http://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Anne-Brentar/dp/1436328233/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238778014&sr=8-3 for Coffee with Anne

and
http://www.amazon.com/Find-your-Success-Anne-Brentar/dp/1436328217/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238778093&sr=8-1 for Find the Key to your Success

Here she goes again–facing reality.  I promise the funny Anne will be back soon, but for just a minute, think about this–you wake to a fire, an earthquake, a gas leak–all things that could cause you to have to evacuate your residence.  Think it couldn’t happen?  But what if it did.  Would you be ready?  Or would you have to leave in your robe and your fuzzy slippers?  Makes ya think, huh–don’t tell me you don’t own a pair of fuzzy slippers–I’ll let you borrow one of mine.

First, the box should be fireproof and portable.  Yep, you just might have to carry it.  What goes in an Evacuation Box anyway?  It should include copies of everything that’s in your safety deposit box at the bank (if you don’t already have one, something you should consider).  Into the box, put a copy of your will and power of attorney, recent tax returns, home maintenance records, medical records of shots, medication you take, record of allergies, credit card records and account numbers, jewelry appraisals and other valuable items, list of emergency contact information, including doctors, financial advisors, lawyer, and family members, safety deposit box info (location, contents, and key), inventory of household possessions (hard copy, disk, or video), cash or traveler’s checks, and any other items that cannot be replaced.  And let’s put this box somewhere that’s easy to get it and walk out the door.

Have I made your brain hurt?  Mine, too.  Lots to think about, but you can rest easy once you’re done.  And did I mention how proud I am of you?  Well, I am.  You are the Best and good things are coming your way.  My wish for you today is that you will never need to take the Evacuation Box from your home, but just in case you do, you will be ready.  And I will be giving extra credit today if you pass on this information to someone else who hasn’t even given a thought to being prepared.  Get ready!  Wouldn’t hurt to throw a flashlight and some batteries in that box, as well.